Alexander Watson

#Tree species classification is a fundamental aspect of automated forest inventories. Whether it's for assessing the impact of climate change or safeguarding biodiversity, understanding the distribution and evolution of tree species is becoming increasingly critical. Projects like ours on beech trees health inference (https://lnkd.in/ek-tV9gq) depend on high-quality classification for accurate data analysis.   The research paper titled "Predicting Tree Species from 3D Laser Scanning Points Using Deep Learning," by Zhang, T., Zhao, F., and colleagues, introduces an innovative method for identifying tree species using 3D laser scanning data combined with deep learning techniques.   Given the vast diversity in tree sizes and shapes, the authors converted the 3D point cloud data into 2D images, which were then processed using a neural network built on traditional convolutional layers, a proven approach in image analysis.   Transforming 3D data into 2D images offers several key benefits:     - Simplified Data Processing: 3D point clouds are challenging for AI to interpret because the same set of points can be arranged in countless ways (N! permutations, where N is the number of points), even if they represent the same features.     - Increased Efficiency: 2D data is processed significantly faster than its 3D counterpart.     - Enhanced Data Augmentation: Multiple images can be generated from the same set of points, greatly expanding the dataset and improving model performance.   The study, which analyzed 690 trees across seven different species, achieved an impressive overall accuracy of 86%. This demonstrates that high-density point clouds contain sufficient shape information to accurately classify tree species based on form alone.   https://lnkd.in/eMPJ_dfD #forest #Treespecies #deeplearning

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A recent study on monetary incentives for forest conservation in Peru reveals key insights and best practices for improving similar programs. Peru, a pioneer in state-led forest conservation efforts, launched the National Forest Conservation Program (PNCB) in 2010, with the ambitious goal of reducing deforestation in the Amazon. A key feature of the program was the introduction of Conditional Direct Transfers (TDCs), providing financial support to Indigenous communities for forest patrols and sustainable development initiatives. Despite these efforts, Peru's deforestation rates remain high, and the program has faced challenges, such as high dropout rates among participating communities. In response, Michigan State University and Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú collaborated on research to evaluate how TDCs can be improved to ensure long-term success. 📊 Key findings highlight the importance of community patrols and better coordination between local communities, government, and non-governmental actors. Administrative burdens, however, have hindered progress, pointing to the need for streamlined processes. Read on:➡️ https://lnkd.in/diHDmfTs #Trees4Resilience

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INVESTING IN NATURE: THE FINANCIAL CASE FOR WETLAND RESTORATION Investing in wetland restoration offers substantial financial returns while combating climate change. Wetlands, especially peatlands, act as significant carbon sinks, sequestering large amounts of CO2 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By restoring these ecosystems, investors can generate carbon credits, which are highly marketable in the growing carbon trading markets. Furthermore, healthy wetlands enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, and provide storm protection, reducing costs associated with natural disasters. This multifaceted value not only supports environmental sustainability but also drives economic growth, making wetland restoration a compelling investment opportunity. #WetlandRestoration #CarbonCredits #SustainableInvestment

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📢 Verra has launched a public consultation for a minor revision to Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Module VMD0055 Estimation of Emission Reductions from Avoiding Unplanned Deforestation, v1.0. 💡VMD0055 describes the procedures and methods for accounting for the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions from projects that aim to avoid unplanned deforestation. It must be used along with VCS Methodology VM0048 Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation. ➡️ The proposed updates to VMD0055 will help support the methodology’s high integrity, its applicability to a wider range of projects, and its alignment with the Core Carbon Principles (CCPs) established by the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM). The updates include the following: ✔️ Adding forest management activities in the project scenario ✔️ Ensuring the full alignment of VMD0055 with VT0007 Unplanned Deforestation Allocation (UDef-A), v1.0, and its process for data allocation to projects ✔️ Clarifying the distinction between mandatory and optional carbon sources and pools ✔️ Clarifying spatial resolution and mapping requirements, mapping terminology, and the scope of the jurisdictional sampling frame ✔️ Clarifying the duration for which a project can use allocated activity data ➡️ Read the full announcement and submit your feedback: https://bit.ly/3YFs68B #Verra #StandardsMatter #CarbonMarkets #ClimateAction #CarbonCredits

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Our newly Accounting for Nature Ltd-accredited Ecosystem Condition Index has been recognized for filling a ‘a major shortfall in biodiversity metrics, as required by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF)’ according to a recent academic review. 🌍 Our Ecosystem Condition Index quantifies four essential ecosystem processes: dispersal, trophic cascades, stochastic disturbances, and niche turnover, crucial for accelerating and sustaining ecosystem integrity recovery. 🌳 Aligned with the United Nations System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (UN SEEA), our index supports the implementation of ecosystem indicators. 👉 Read all about it here: https://lnkd.in/eaDpH_KU 💡Do you have any comments or ideas to share? We're eager to collaborate with fellow pioneers in developing the next generation of nature metrics. #EcosystemMetric #BiodiversityIndices #Sustainability #Leadership

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UNEP FI and Finance for Biodiversity launch the new Finance for Nature Positive discussion paper, introducing a working model for the financial sector to address both positive impacts and the management and mitigation of negative impacts on nature. The paper operationalizes the “Nature Positive” concept, capturing existing research and providing a model for review and feedback. Released during UNGA/NYC Climate Week and less than a month before COP16, the paper aims to support the Global Biodiversity Framework’s mission to reverse nature loss by 2030. Be a part of shaping the future of sustainable finance by sharing your feedback on this launch. Learn more here: https://ow.ly/nqIk50Tv529

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